Rockland Reporter

Rockland's five towns will host blood drives next week as part of a competition organized by state Sen. Bill Weber's office and the American Red Cross Metro New York North. The town that recruits the most new donors and the one that collects the most blood will receive trophies and bragging rights.

The primary objective is to boost the blood supply, which often diminishes during the summer season. The donation drives are scheduled from July 30 to August 3, with one drive in each town. To mark the beginning of the competition, the Gov. Mario Cuomo Bridge will be illuminated in red over the Tappan Zee, confirmed by the New York State Thruway Authority.

Summer typically sees a decline in blood donations due to vacations and disrupted routines, according to American Red Cross officials. Stephanie Dunn Ashley, CEO of the American Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter, emphasized this need: “Blood and platelet donors are critically needed right now to support lifesaving transfusions this summer.”

Information about each blood drive can be found at redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive. Donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds, be in good health and feeling well, and not have donated in the past 56 days. Further details on eligibility requirements are available at redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html.

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